Instax Mini 90 Setup Guide

Welcome to your Instax Mini 90 from The Minimal Studio.

Your camera has been prepared and tested prior to pickup, with film and battery already loaded unless otherwise discussed. The setup is intentionally simple so you can focus on capturing the moments as they happen.

Instant photography is part documentation, part surprise. Some photos will come out perfectly framed, others slightly blurry, overexposed or beautifully unexpected — that mix is part of what makes Instax photos feel so nostalgic and memorable to revisit later on.

Turning the camera on

To turn the camera on, rotate the Power button beside the lens.

The lens will extend automatically once powered on.

To turn the camera off, rotate the same button again and the lens will retract back into the camera body.

Taking photos

Using the camera is intentionally very straightforward.

  1. Turn the camera on
  2. Look through the viewfinder
  3. Press the Shutter button
  4. Wait for the film to eject automatically from the top of the camera

Photos will slowly develop over the next few minutes.

For the best results:

  • Avoid shaking the film
  • Let photos develop naturally on a flat surface
  • Keep developing film out of direct sunlight
  • Encourage guests to pass the camera around throughout the event

The best photos are often the least staged.

Understanding the settings

The Instax Mini 90 can absolutely be used as a simple point-and-shoot camera, just turn it on, press the shutter button and enjoy the moment.

If you’d like to get a little more creative though, the camera also includes a range of built-in settings designed for different lighting conditions, moods and styles of photography.

You don’t need to master every mode to get beautiful photos. Part of the charm of instant photography is the unpredictability, so we encourage experimenting, passing the camera around and having fun with it.

Modes

The Instax Mini 90 includes several built-in shooting modes designed for different lighting conditions and styles of photography.

To cycle through modes, press the Mode button on the back of the camera.

You do not need to change modes for the camera to work well, but they can help depending on the setting and atmosphere of your event.

Party Mode is best for receptions, dinners, indoor events and lower lighting. This is the setting we recommend for most events and evening use.

Kids Mode is best for movement, dancing, candid moments and fast-moving subjects.

Landscape Mode is best for venue shots, wider scenes, outdoor settings and tablescapes.

Macro Mode is best for flowers, food, styling details and close-up shots.

Double Exposure Mode allows two images to be layered together onto one Instax photo. Take your first photo then take your second photo and the camera will combine both images onto a single Instax print automatically. This mode is completely optional, but can create beautiful abstract, nostalgic or artistic images throughout the evening.

For the best results combine portraits with scenery or lighting, avoid overly dark environments.

Flash & brightness settings

The flash is automatic by default and works well for most situations.

If you’d prefer a softer or moodier look, you can turn the flash off using the Flash button on the back of the camera.

The camera also includes brightness controls: brighter, bright, normal and dark.

For most events, we recommend leaving brightness on normal unless experimenting creatively.

Self Timer Mode

Self Timer Mode is perfect for group photos, couples shots or getting yourself into the moment.

To activate Self Timer Mode:

Press the Timer button on the back of the camera.

Select either:10 seconds for group photos 2 seconds for quicker shots or reducing camera shake.

Press the Shutter button. The timer light on the front of the camera will flash before the photo is taken automatically.

We recommend placing the camera on a stable surface for the best results.

Macro Mode

Macro Mode is designed for close-up photography and works beautifully for: flowers, food, tablescape details, stationery and smaller styling moments.

Macro Mode works best when photographing subjects approximately 30–60cm away.

Film & battery

The display on the back of the camera shows remaining film count, battery level and active shooting mode.

If the film counter reaches zero, the current film pack is empty and will need replacing.

Please do not open the Film Compartment unless replacing film, as opening it early will expose and ruin the remaining shots.

If your film pack runs out during your hire, you can easily load a new pack of Instax Mini film.

Replacing the Film

To replace the film:

Open the Film Compartment on the back of the camera

Remove the empty film cartridge

Take the new film pack out of its foil packaging

Match the yellow mark on the film pack with the yellow mark inside the camera

Gently place the film pack into the compartment without forcing it

Close the back of the camera firmly

Once loaded correctly, the camera will automatically eject the black film cover sheet through the film eject slot when you take the first photo.

This is completely normal and not a wasted photo.

Important

Do not press on the film surface itself

Do not open the back of the camera once film has been loaded unless the pack is completely empty

Opening the compartment mid-pack will expose and ruin the remaining film

A few helpful tips

Softer lighting often creates the nicest images

Indoor photos generally work best with flash enabled

Keep the camera somewhere visible and easy for guests to access

Encourage guests to take photos throughout the event, not just towards the end

A mix of posed and candid photos usually creates the best collection to look back on later

If you run into any issues during your hire period, please contact Bridget at The Minimal Studio and we’ll do our best to help.